CENTRE PLANS 27 ROADS ON CHINA BORDER

A few months after the Doklam standoff ended, the Government plans to expedite construction of 27 roads of operational significance on the India-China border with the aim of strengthening the infrastructure in and around the sensitive region.

The home ministry is likely to seek the Cabinet’s approval regarding fresh time schedules for these roads, top sources said.

It may be noted that the total length of these 27 roads, is around 800 km, and are being constructed by the home ministry.

A few months after the Doklam standoff ended, the government plans to expedite construction of 27 roads of operational significance on the IndiaChina border with the aim of strengthening the infrastructure in and around the sensitive region.

Eight out of these 27 roads have already been completed.

The Union home ministry is learnt to have mooted a proposal to the Cabinet committee on Security (CCS) regarding fresh timelines for the construction of these 27 roads, highly placed sources said.

There is a likelihood that the committee may clear the proposal during its meeting which is scheduled to take place on Friday.

The timely completion of these crucial roads will help in improving the connectivity in the sensitive region, which is spread across many states, and facilitate faster movement of troops in the face of any military standoff in future.

The Doklam standoff had begun on June 16 and ended after more than two months on August 29. While New Delhi has been focussing on improving the infrastructure along the IndiaChina border, the Doklam showdown seems to have renewed the sense of urgency within the security establishments.